Thousands of students flock to Barcelona every year for its renowned academic institutions, affordable lifestyle, rich culture and burgeoning student accommodation offering.
One of many communal spaces at The Student Hotel Poble Sec (Photo: TSH)
Home to seven renowned universities, including the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and the IESE Business School, Barcelona frequently makes it into the ‘Top 200 QS World University Rankings’ every year. This, combined with low living costs, generous scholarships, cultural diversity and a sociable lifestyle, make it an appealing place to study. There are now thousands of accommodation providers offering everything from dorms to luxury apartments. We’ve cherry-picked five of the best student accommodation in Barcelona, based on price, facilities and location.
The Student Hotel: Barcelona Poble Sec
Located in the lovely, lively Poble Sec neighbourhood, this branch of The Student Hotel (TSH) offers easy access to the Universitat de Barcelona, Escola Superior d’Imatge i Disseny and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. TSH first launched in 2006 and now operates in 14 cities across Europe, with two locations in Barcelona. Famed for encapsulating student spirit in its design and amenities, this outpost is every bit as stylish and convenient as the rest, with three different room categories on offer, ranging from standard doubles to deluxe studios. Rooms are fully furnished, with private bathrooms and study areas. Perks include a high-spec gym, free guest nights for parents and 24/7 security.
TSH Poble Sec (Poble Sec Metro), Av. Parallel 101. From €649 per month.
Livensa Living: Diaganol Alto
Livensal Living boasts a spectacular roof terrace too (Photo: Livensal Living)
Forget grubby student digs, Livensa Living offers students a slice of the high life for a fraction of the price. There are two locations in Barcelona, both as beautiful as each other, but Diaganol Alto offers a slight advantage owing to its proximity to the university. The property features a library and study area, a roof terrace and an infinity pool, as well as regular activities and events ranging from Zumba classes to Halloween parties. Rooms are fully equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, kitchens, smart TVs and a private study area too.
Livensa Living Diaganol Alto (Can Vidalet), Carrer de Sant Mateu. From €890 per month.
Xior Student Housing: The Lofttown
The Lofttown describes itself as ‘a new era of student housing’ that sells more than rooms, it sells a lifestyle. Students can choose from a range of rooms to suit all budgets, ranging from single rooms to studios with private terraces. Best of all are the communal spaces –all 1,200 feet of them. There’s a Crossfit gym, an organic cafe, terraces, bars and even a solarium. It’s a good option for the more sustainably-minded too; Lofttown is constructed with bio-sustainable materials and committed to minimizing its impact on the environment.
The Loftown (Diagonal) Carrer de Sèneca, 24, 26. From €1,400 per month.
Vanguard: Balmes 335
A standard single bedroom at The Landing Pad (Photo: The Landing Pad)
Vanguard offers a range of long-stay apartments across the city that are exclusively designed for students. Balmes 335 is located in the sought-after Sarra-Sant Gervasi district, perfectly positioned for those studying at IQS, La Salle and Abat Oliba. The six-storey modernist building features three renovated apartments per floor, each with five to seven different rooms. All apartments are bright and airy, with kitchens, large living/dining rooms and plenty of storage capacity.
Vanguard Balmes 331 (Lesseps Metro), Carrer de Balmes, 337. From €860 per month.
A Landing Pad
A Landing Pad is perfect for mature and masters students who are keen to live with like-minded students but aren’t necessarily looking for an early university years party scene. The building caters for students, as well as artists, remote workers and professionals, so the vibe is a bit more grown-up than most student accommodations. The location is second-to-none, positioned in Eixample – the beating heart of the city. Rooms are spacious, fitted with double beds, a one-of-a-kind mural artwork, a rainfall shower and a desk. There’s a large kitchen, lounge, sun-filled terrace and barbecue in the building too.
A Landing Pad (Passeig de Gracia), Carrer de Mallorca, 209. From €1,121 per month.
